72-hour and 7-day home emergency plan

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Quick answerA 72-hour plan covers 3 days at home without outside help, which is what UK Government guidance recommends. A 7-day plan extends the same categories to a week: for example 21 litres of drinking water per person instead of 9, more food and batteries, a wind-up or solar radio, and one room you can keep warm.
From 3 days to 7 days
CategoryOfficial baseline72 hours7 days
Water3 litres per person per day for drinking9 litres per person21 litres per person, plus extra for washing and cooking
FoodNo-cook, long-life food you normally eat3 days of meals7 days; use fridge food first, then freezer, then cupboard
LightTorch and spare batteriesTorch per person + lanternAdd rechargeable lantern, head torch and more batteries
InformationBattery or wind-up FM radioRadio + written frequenciesWind-up or solar radio so it never runs flat
PowerCharged power bankOne power bankLarger or solar power bank; hand-crank backup
WarmthBlankets and warm clothingBlankets for each personPlan one warm room; foil blankets, hot water bottle
MoneyCash in coins and notesEnough for essentialsEnough for a week of essentials

Write your household plan

  1. List your household. Who lives with you, who needs medication or equipment, pets, and anyone nearby you would check on.
  2. Write down key numbers. 105 for power cuts, 0800 111 999 for gas, your GP, energy supplier, family and neighbours.
  3. Choose a warm room. Ideally a smaller room with few outside walls, where everyone can gather.
  4. Agree a meeting point. If phones are down, where will you meet if you are apart?
  5. Store everything together. Keep your kit in one bag or box that everyone knows about.
  6. Set a 6-month reminder. Check dates, batteries and power banks.

Frequently asked questions

What is a 72-hour emergency kit?

A 72-hour emergency kit holds what your household needs to manage for 3 days without outside help: water, food, light, a radio, a power bank, warmth, hygiene items, first aid, cash and copies of documents. It matches the UK Government's advice to be ready for 3 days.

Why plan for 7 days instead of 3?

Most outages are short, but planning for a week gives a margin for severe winter weather or wider disruption, and means you are less likely to need to go out to shop during an incident.

How do I build a 7-day plan without spending a lot?

Start with what you have, then add one or two items with each regular shop. Rotate food by eating and replacing it, and check everything every six months.

Updated 2026-10-28. Source: UK Government Be Ready checklist.